Michelle WhalenMozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge are the most popular web browsers today. But what if you need to block websites while using them? Well, it’s relatively easy thing to do.
A few of the common reasons people use website blockers include:
- Block adult and inappropriate sites, especially to protect young children.
- Block distracting websites and apps.
- Limit social media use online and on portable devices.
- Increase work productivity and efficiency.
There are a number of website blocker apps, browser extensions, and programs to help you accomplish any of the above tasks. Below, we’ve listed 5 of those website blockers.
Block Site
Block Site is the most well-known and trusted Google Chrome browser extension. From testing it myself, it is very simple and easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech savvy. It includes every feature any person, employer, or parent would need. With the Chrome extension, you’ll be able to block websites and inappropriate content, and set a ‘work mode’ time to block out distractions. This is a no-frill, straightforward product great for anyone using Android devices or Chrome.
- Available On: Chrome and Google Play
- Most Notable Features:
- Block adult sites with one click.
- Set a work mode timer, where you can only use sites on your workload list.
- Block app use on Android phones.
- Password Protect: Have to enter a password or pattern to unblock apps and sites.
- Price: Free. Additional money for other product purchases.
Freedom
Freedom is specifically targeted for those looking to minimize distractions while working. On their website, they claim that on average, their users gain 2.5 hour of productive time every day. Their feature allowing users to create Freedom Sessions is really cool and useful. You can create times when you don’t want access to certain websites, apps, and your devices to prevent them from distracting you. Even though this software does lack some tools, it’s great for those who work from home.
- Available On: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
- Most Notable Features:
- Create a Freedom Session when you don’t want to be distracted.
- Price:
- Monthly Membership: $6.99/month
- Yearly Membership: $2.42/month
- Forever Membership: $129 (may be lower if there’s a sale)
- Free Trial
Y-Productive
Do you really want to improve your work productivity, but don’t have the tools to do so? Then, this is the program for you! Not only can you block websites when you’re in Focus Mode, but you can also track the time it takes you to complete tasks and projects. Knowing how much time you spend on a certain task can help you determine where your work productivity may need to improve.
- Available On: Mac and Windows.
- Most Notable Features:
- Block certain websites during Focus Mode.
- View your productive and unproductive activities.
- Create projects and tasks, and track your productivity and time spent accomplishing each one.
- Price (*Free Trial for the first 14 days):
- Monthly Subscription: $7.77/month
- Three-Month Subscription: $6.66/month
- Lifetime Subscription: $65.48
FoxFilter
FoxFilter is another website browser extension similar to BlockSite. The noticeable difference between FoxFilter and BlockSite is FoxFilter’s feature enabling users to filter out web content based on certain keywords. It also has password protection and security settings to prevent someone accessing, changing, and/or uninstalling the extension without permission.
- Available On: Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
- Most Notable Features:
- Block access to certain websites, and inappropriate content.
- Use keywords to filter out content that you don’t want seen.
- Password protection and security settings to prevent intrusion into the FoxFilter extension account.
- Price: Free
Barracuda
If you own a business and are looking to add web security and filtering, Barracuda is a great choice! This service does so much more than just filter out websites. It can protect your business from outside threats and help you monitor your employees’ online activities. You can even get reports pertaining to employee online activity sent to your HR department.
- Available On: Appliance, Virtual, and SaaS.
- Most Notable Features:
- Prevent viruses and spyware from accessing your network.
- Monitor web communications social media.
- Filter out websites pertaining to explicit content, hacking, violence, and more.
- Price: Varies depending on your business. You can get a free evaluation from Barracuda.
These are some of the best website blockers out there! If you are looking to filter out content and monitor activities specifically on an Android smartphone, iPhone, or iPad, you may want to also consider Auto Forward. To learn more about the features included with Auto Forward, click here.